UPDATE 1-Folk artist Doc Watson's condition improves - agent

May 25, 2012|Reuters

(Update condition)

By Colleen Jenkins

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 25 (Reuters) - Grammy-winning folkmusician Doc Watson was in critical but improving condition onFriday after undergoing colon surgery at a North Carolinahospital, according to his management team.

An employee at Folklore Productions International said the89-year-old performer had fallen earlier in the week at his homein Deep Gap, North Carolina, and was unable to get upunassisted.

He was taken to a local hospital, where his condition wasdiscovered to be more serious than the fall, according to theFolklore office.

On Thursday, he was transferred to Wake Forest BaptistMedical Center in Winston-Salem for surgery, a Folklore employeesaid.

"The family appreciates everyone's prayers and good wishes,"said a statement on Folklore's website.

Watson is a singer of bluegrass, country, blues and gospelmusic who is famous for his flatpicking style on the guitar andhis interpretations of folk songs from bygone eras.

He has won seven Grammy Awards, in addition to the Grammyfor lifetime achievement he received in 2004. Most recently, hewon in 2006 in the category of best country instrumentalperformance for his playing on "Whiskey Before Breakfast."

For much of his career, Watson toured and recorded with hisson, Merle Watson. Doc Watson's most popular recordings includethe songs "Tom Dooley," "Shady Grove" and "Rising Sun Blues."